Greek island hopping — Santorini, Mykonos & Crete

Greek Island Hopping — The Ultimate Guide to Santorini, Mykonos and Crete

Greece has over 6,000 islands, of which around 230 are inhabited. Island hopping—traveling from island to island by ferry—is the best way to discover the diversity of the Greek islands. I spent two weeks in Greece in May 2023 and put together a route connecting three of the most popular islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Here is my complete guide with the route, ferries, costs, and the best photo spots.

The route — 14 days, 3 islands

My route: Athens → Santorini (4 days) → Mykonos (3 days) → Crete (5 days) → Athens. The ferries connect all three islands directly, and the travel times are manageable (2-5 hours depending on the ferry).

Santorini (4 days) — The Icon

Santorini is the quintessential Greek postcard island: white houses with blue domes, dramatic cliffs above the volcanic crater, and sunsets that make Instagram explode. But Santorini is also touristy, expensive, and overcrowded in the summer. Here are my tips on how to make the most of it:

Oia vs. Fira: Oia is the famous postcard image with its blue domes. Fira is the capital and significantly cheaper. I stayed in Fira (60 euros/night vs. 150+ in Oia) and drove to Oia at 7 a.m., before the cruise ship tourists arrived. The blue domes are deserted by 7:30 a.m.—perfect for photos.

Red Beach and White Beach: Two of Europe's most photogenic beaches, accessible by boat from Akrotiri. Red Beach boasts spectacular red cliffs right on the water. Caution: Access to Red Beach via the cliff path is officially closed (risk of rockfall). Take the boat from Akrotiri harbor (10 euros).

Drones on Santorini: Officially, you need a permit from the Greek Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). In practice, I haven't had any problems with the DJI Mini 5 Pro (under 250g) as long as I didn't fly directly over crowds or airports. The best drone spot: the cliffs south of Oia at sunrise.

Eat: Tomatokeftedes (deep-fried tomato balls) are Santorini's specialty. Fava (mushy peas) with capers is on every menu. For the best fish: Amoudi Bay below Oia — you eat right by the water with a view of the cliffs.

Mykonos (3 days) — Parties and beaches

Mykonos has a reputation as a party island, but there's much more to it than just clubs. The old town (Chora) has winding streets with white houses and colorful doors—one of the most photogenic town centers in Greece. The windmills by the harbor are its landmark.

Beaches: Paradise Beach is the party beach (sun loungers during the day, DJ in the evening). For peace and quiet: Agios Sostis in the north — no restaurants, no sun loungers, just nature and turquoise water. Ornos Beach is the family beach with shallow water and good facilities.

Little Venice: The colorful houses right on the water, where the waves crash against the balconies. Enjoying a cocktail at sunset in the evening—touristy, but beautiful. Reserve a table at Kastro's for the best view.

Delos: The uninhabited neighboring island (30 minutes by boat) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites of antiquity. It is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis according to Greek mythology. Half-day trip: 20 euros for the ferry plus 12 euros entrance fee.

Crete (5 days) — The Diverse

Crete is the largest Greek island and feels almost like its own country. Here you'll find everything: beaches, mountains, gorges, ancient ruins, and the best cuisine in Greece.

Chania: The most beautiful city in Crete. The Venetian harbor with its lighthouse is magical in the evening. The market hall (Agora) has everything from cheese and olives to spices. For drone footage: the lighthouse from above at sunset.

Samaria Gorge: The longest gorge in Europe (16 km). A day hike from top to bottom (approx. 6 hours), with a boat waiting at the end to take you back to Hora Sfakion. Challenging but doable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. Open only from May to October. Start early (7 am) to avoid the heat.

Elafonissi Beach: Pink sand and turquoise water — one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Crowded in summer, but still relaxed in May (when I was there). The drive from Chania takes 90 minutes along winding mountain roads.

Knossos: The Minoan palace, center of Europe's oldest civilization (3000 BC). Admission: €15. Arrive at 8 a.m. when it opens—tour buses start arriving at 10 a.m. An audio guide (€5) is recommended, as the ruins are difficult to understand without context.

Ferries — booking, prices and tips

The ferries between the islands are operated by several shipping companies: Blue Star Ferries (the large, slow, cheap ones), SeaJets and Hellenic Seaways (the fast catamarans, more expensive).

| Route | Duration (fast ferry) | Price |
|———|———————|——-|
| Athens (Piraeus) → Santorini | 5h (ferry) / 2h (catamaran) | 40-70 € |
| Santorini → Mykonos | 2-3h | 35-60 € |
| Mykonos → Crete (Heraklion) | 4-5h | 45-75 € |
Crete (Heraklion) → Athens | 9h (overnight ferry) / 4h (flight) | €35-50 (ferry) |

Book via Ferryhopper.com or DirectFerries.com. During peak season (July-August), book at least two weeks in advance—fast ferries sell out quickly. The slower Blue Star Ferries are never fully booked and have outside decks with sea views.

Tip: The overnight ferry from Crete to Athens (Blue Star, departing at 9 pm, arriving at 6 am) is perfect: you save a hotel night and arrive in Athens refreshed in the morning. Book a cabin (50-80 euros) instead of seats (35 euros) — the sleeping comfort makes the extra cost worthwhile.

Cost — 14 days of island hopping in Greece

| Items | Costs |
|——–|——–|
| Flight DE → Athens Round Trip | €100-200 |
| Ferries (4 routes) | €160-250 |
| Accommodation (13 nights, mid-range) | €650-1,000 |
| Food (restaurant + supermarket) | €350-500 |
| Scooter rental (Santorini + Crete) | €120-180 |
| Entrance fees and activities | €80-120 |
| In total | 1.460-2.250 € |

Money-saving tips: Book accommodations with a kitchen and cook your own breakfast (Greek yogurt + honey + fruit from the market). Avoid restaurants directly at the port—it's cheaper one street over at 30%. Rent a scooter instead of a car on Santorini (25 euros/day vs. 50 euros). Drink local house wine instead of imported wine (3 euros vs. 8 euros).

Best time to travel to Greece for island hopping

May and June: My recommendation: Warm weather (25-30°C), sea already warm enough for swimming, significantly fewer tourists than in the height of summer. Prices 30-40% below peak season.

July and August: Peak season. 35°C+, everything is full and expensive. Only if you like the heat and book early.

September and October: Still warm, the sea is at its warmest (26°C), tourists are thinning out. Ferries are still full. My second choice after May.

November to April: Many hotels and restaurants are closed. Ferries run less frequently. Only makes sense for Crete (mild winters, inhabited year-round).

FAQ — Greece Island Hopping

Do I need a rental car on the islands?

On Santorini: A scooter is sufficient. On Mykonos: Bus or taxi. On Crete: Yes, definitely rent a car — the island is too big for buses. From €25/day.

Can I go island hopping spontaneously or do I have to book everything in advance?

In May, June, and September, you can travel spontaneously. In July and August, you absolutely must book ferries and accommodations in advance. The Santorini-Mykonos fast ferries are often fully booked a week ahead in August.

Is Greece expensive?

Santorini and Mykonos: Yes, comparable to the South of France or the Amalfi Coast. Crete: Significantly cheaper, comparable to Portugal or Croatia. Athens: Inexpensive.

Which islands are alternatives to Santorini and Mykonos?

Naxos (larger, more authentic, cheaper than Mykonos), Milos (volcanic landscape, less touristy), Paros (good mix of beach and culture), the Ionian Islands Corfu and Kefalonia (greener, less Cycladic look).

Am I allowed to fly my drone on the Greek islands?

Officially, you need a permit from the HCAA for every drone. Drones under 250g (DJI Mini series) are rarely checked. Never fly over archaeological sites, military installations, or crowds. On Mykonos, flying drones is completely prohibited in the old town.

About the author: Max Haase is Germany's most influential travel influencer with over 4.2 million followers. He specializes in drone footage and luxury travel. Cooperation requests here.